Method and apparatus for electronic transactions based on a reply message

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for electronic transactions based on a reply message. In the context of a computer executed method, the method includes receiving a message, from a sender device, including a reply to buy (RTB) identifier associated with a promotion and a RTB validation code. The method also includes authenticating, using a promotion and marketing service host, the RTB validation code, associating the message from the sender with a recipient identifier, and causing the transmission of a purchase order message to the recipient device based on the RTB identifier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a nonprovisional applicationof U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/041,962, filed Aug. 26, 2014,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to electronictransactions and more particularly to a method apparatus and computerprogram product for electronic transactions based on a reply message.

BACKGROUND

Each month it is estimated that there are 1.6 million monthly cartabandonments on electronic transactions. At least a portion of thesecart abandonments may be attributable to the level of user interactionrequired to complete the transaction. In some electronic messagetransactions, a consumer may be required to select a link or otheractivation component to open a secondary application, such as a webbrowser, to complete the transaction. In such cases, the consumer may berequired to input purchasing information, such as name, address, paymentinformation, or the like. The purchase information then may be sent bythe secondary application to a processor server to complete thetransaction. These message based electronic transactions requiresignificant user interaction to complete the transaction.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided inaccordance with an example embodiment for electronic transactions basedon a reply message. In some embodiments, a computer executable method isprovided that includes receiving a message, from a sender device,including a reply to buy (RTB) identifier associated with a promotionand a RTB validation code. The method also includes authenticating,using a promotion and marketing service host, the RTB validation code,associating the message from the sender with a recipient identifier andcausing the transmission of a purchase order message to the recipientdevice based on the RTB identifier.

In an example embodiment, the method may also include receivingdiscretionary data, electronic marketing data, and communicationschannel data from the sender device, receiving promotion parametersassociated with a plurality of promotions, and determining a firstrelevance criteria based on at least one of the discretionary data,electronic marketing data, and communications channel data. The methodmay also include generating a first ranking of the plurality ofpromotions based on correlating the first relevance criteria to thepromotion parameters of the plurality of promotions, determining asecond relevance criteria based on at least one of the discretionarydata, electronic marketing data, and the communications channel data,and generating a second ranking of the plurality of promotions based oncorrelating the second relevance criteria to the promotion parameters ofthe plurality of promotions. The method also includes comparing thefirst and second ranking of the plurality promotions to a relevancethreshold, and determining relevant promotions based on the first orsecond ranking or promotions satisfying the relevance threshold. The RTBidentifier is associated a relevant promotion.

In an example embodiment, the method includes receiving an RTBconfirmation message from the recipient device in response totransmission of the RTB purchase order message and causing atransmission of the confirmation message to the sender device. In someexample embodiments, the method includes assigning a first transactionaddress to a sender device and a second transaction address to arecipient device thereby associating the message from the sender devicewith the first transaction address. In still other embodiments, thecausing the transmission of the purchase order message to the recipientdevice uses the first transaction address.

In some example embodiments, the method includes associating the RTBconfirmation message with the second transactional address and causingthe transmission of the RTB confirmation message to the sender deviceuses the second transaction address. In an example embodiment, themethod includes generating an RTB prompt including the RTB identifierand causing the transmission of the RTB prompt.

In an example embodiment, the method includes determining relevantpromotions and the RTB identifier is associated with at least onerelevant promotion. In an example embodiment of the method, the messagefrom the sender device is an RTB reply message indicative of selectionpromotion associated with the RTB prompt. In some example embodiments ofthe method, causing the transmission of the RTB prompt includestransmitting a RTB message.

In an example embodiment of the method, the RTB message includes a RTBmessage address based on the RTB identifier. In some example embodimentsof the method, the RTB identifier is further based on a consumeridentifier.

In another example embodiment an apparatus is provided including atleast one processor and at least one memory including computer programcode, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to,with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive a message,from a sender device, including a reply to buy (RTB) identifierassociated with a promotion and a RTB validation code. The at least onememory and the computer program code are also configured to authenticatethe RTB validation code, associate the message from the sender with arecipient identifier and cause the transmission of a purchase ordermessage to the recipient device based on the RTB identifier.

In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code, of the apparatus, are further configured to receivediscretionary data, electronic marketing data, and communicationschannel data from the sender device, receive promotion parametersassociated with a plurality of promotions, and determine a firstrelevance criteria based on at least one of the discretionary data,electronic marketing data, and communications channel data. The at leastone memory and the computer program code are also configured to generatea first ranking of the plurality of promotions based on correlating thefirst relevance criteria to the promotion parameters of the plurality ofpromotions, determine a second relevance criteria based on at least oneof the discretionary data, electronic marketing data, and thecommunications channel data, and generate a second ranking of theplurality of promotions based on correlating the second relevancecriteria to the promotion parameters of the plurality of promotions. Theat least one memory and the computer program code are also configured tocompare the first and second ranking of the plurality promotions to arelevance threshold, and determining relevant promotions based on thefirst or second ranking or promotions satisfying the relevancethreshold. The RTB identifier is associated a relevant promotion.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus the at least one memory andthe computer program code are further configured to receive an RTBconfirmation message from the recipient device in response totransmission of the RTB purchase order message and cause a transmissionof the confirmation message to the sender device. In some exampleembodiments of the apparatus, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code are further configured to assign a first transactionaddress to a sender device and a second transaction address to arecipient device, associate the message from the sender device with thefirst transaction address, and causing the transmission of the purchaseorder message to the recipient device uses the first transactionaddress.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the at least one memory andthe computer program code are further configured to associate the RTBconfirmation message with the second transactional address and causingthe transmission of the RTB confirmation message to the sender deviceuses the second transaction address. In some example embodiments of theapparatus, the at least one memory and the computer program code arefurther configured to generate an RTB prompt including the RTBidentifier and cause the transmission of the RTB prompt.

In some example embodiments of the apparatus, the at least one memoryand the computer program code are further configured to determinerelevant promotions and the RTB identifier is associated with at leastone relevant promotion. In an example embodiment of the apparatus, themessage from the sender device is an RTB reply message indicative ofselection promotion associated with the RTB prompt.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus, causing the transmission ofthe RTB prompt comprises transmitting an RTB message. In some exampleembodiments of the apparatus, the RTB message includes a RTB messageaddress based on the RTB identifier. In an example embodiment of theapparatus, RTB identifier is further based on a consumer identifier.

In a further embodiment, a computer program product is providedincluding at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-executable program code portions stored therein, thecomputer-executable program code portions including program codeinstructions configured to receive a message, from a sender device,comprising a reply to buy (RTB) identifier associated with a promotionand a RTB validation code. The computer-executable program code portionsfurther include program code instructions configured to authenticate theRTB validation code, associate the message from the sender with arecipient identifier, and cause the transmission of a purchase ordermessage to the recipient device based on the RTB identifier.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, thecomputer-executable program code portions further comprise program codeinstructions configured to receive discretionary data, electronicmarketing data, and communications channel data from the sender device,receive promotion parameters associated with a plurality of promotions,and determine a first relevance criteria based on at least one of thediscretionary data, electronic marketing data, and communicationschannel data. The computer-executable program code portions alsocomprise program code instructions configured to generate a firstranking of the plurality of promotions based on correlating the firstrelevance criteria to the promotion parameters of the plurality ofpromotions, determine a second relevance criteria based on at least oneof the discretionary data, electronic marketing data, and thecommunications channel data, and generate a second ranking of theplurality of promotions based on correlating the second relevancecriteria to the promotion parameters of the plurality of promotions. Thecomputer-executable program code portions also comprise program codeinstructions configured to compare the first and second ranking of theplurality promotions to a relevance threshold and determining relevantpromotions based on the first or second ranking or promotions satisfyingthe relevance threshold. The RTB identifier is associated a relevantpromotion.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, thecomputer-executable program code portions further include program codeinstructions configured to receive an RTB confirmation message from therecipient device in response to transmission of the RTB purchase ordermessage and cause a transmission of the confirmation message to thesender device. In some example embodiments of the computer programproduct, the computer-executable program code portions further includeprogram code instructions configured to assign a first transactionaddress to a sender device and a second transaction address to arecipient device associate the message from the sender device with thefirst transaction address, and causing the transmission of the purchaseorder message to the recipient device uses the first transactionaddress.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, thecomputer-executable program code portions further include program codeinstructions configured to associate the RTB confirmation message withthe second transactional address and causing the transmission of the RTBconfirmation message to the sender device uses the second transactionaddress. In some example embodiments of the computer program product,the computer-executable program code portions further comprise programcode instructions configured to generate an RTB prompt including the RTBidentifier and cause the transmission of the RTB prompt.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product thecomputer-executable program code portions further comprise program codeinstructions configured to determine relevant promotions and the RTBidentifier is associated with at least one relevant promotion. In someexample embodiments of the computer program product, the message fromthe sender device is an RTB reply message indicative of selectionpromotion associated with the RTB prompt.

In an example embodiment computer program product, causing thetransmission of the RTB prompt including transmitting an RTB message. Insome example embodiments of the computer program product, the RTBmessage comprises a RTB message address based on the RTB identifier. Inan example embodiment of the computer program product, the RTBidentifier is further based on a consumer identifier.

In yet another example embodiment, a computer-executed method forfacilitating a transaction is provided including determining a relevantpromotion based on promotion parameters and at least one relevancecriteria, transmitting a reply to buy (RTB) message to a sender device,wherein the RTB message comprises at least one RTB identifier associatedwith a relevant promotion. The method also includes receiving a replymessage, from a sender device, comprising the RTB identifier associatedwith a promotion and a RTB validation code, authenticating, using apromotion and marketing service host, the RTB validation code,associating the message from the sender with a recipient identifier, andcausing the transmission of a purchase order message to the recipientdevice based on the RTB identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described example embodiments of the invention in generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A-1C illustrate data flow paths for reply to buy messaging inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be specificallyconfigured for electronic transactions based on a reply message inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example data flow from a sender or recipientmessage application to a host in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example data flow path from a sender messageapplication to a recipient message application in accordance with someexample embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5-8 are flow charts illustrating operations performed, such as bythe apparatus of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example electronic marketing communicationincluding an RTB prompt in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate example RTB messages in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates an example RTB reply message in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms“data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be usedinterchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, receivedand/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit andscope of embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (for example, implementations inanalog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuitsand computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmwareinstructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that worktogether to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functionsdescribed herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, amicroprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requiresoftware or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware isnot physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to alluses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example,as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementationcomprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof andaccompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a basebandintegrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for amobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellularnetwork device, other network device, and/or other computing device.

As defined herein, a “computer-readable storage medium,” which refers toa non-transitory physical storage medium (for example, volatile ornon-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a“computer-readable transmission medium,” which refers to anelectromagnetic signal.

As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similarterms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of beingtransmitted, received, and/or stored in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be takento limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.Further, where a computing device is described herein to receive datafrom another computing device, it will be appreciated that the data maybe received directly from the another computing device or may bereceived indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices, suchas, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, network accesspoints, base stations, hosts, and/or the like, sometimes referred toherein as a “network.” Similarly, where a computing device is describedherein to send data to another computing device, it will be appreciatedthat the data may be sent directly to the another computing device ormay be sent indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices,such as, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, networkaccess points, base stations, hosts, and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “promotion and marketing service” may include aservice that is accessible via one or more computing devices and isoperable to provide example promotion and/or marketing services onbehalf of one or more providers that are offering one or moreinstruments that are redeemable for goods, services, experiences and/orthe like. In some examples, the promotion and marketing service may takethe form of a redemption authority, a payment processor, a rewardsprovider, an entity in a financial network, a promoter, an agent and/orthe like. As such, the service is, in some example embodiments,configured to present one or more promotions via one or moreimpressions, accept payments for promotions from consumers, issueinstruments upon acceptance of an offer, participate in redemption,generate rewards, provide a point of sale device or service, issuepayments to providers and/or or otherwise participate in the exchange ofgoods, services or experiences for currency, value and/or the like. Theservice is also, in some example embodiments, configured to offermerchant services such as promotion building (e.g., assisting merchantswith selecting parameters for newly created promotions), promotioncounseling (e.g., offering information to merchants to assist with usingpromotions as marketing), promotion analytics (e.g., offeringinformation to merchants to provide data and analysis regarding thecosts and return-on-investment associated with offering promotions), andthe like.

As used herein, the term “provider” and “merchant” may be usedinterchangeably and may include, but is not limited to, provider, abusiness owner, consigner, shopkeeper, tradesperson, vender, operator,entrepreneur, agent, dealer, organization or the like that is in thebusiness of a providing a good, service or experience to a consumer,facilitating the provision of a good, service or experience to aconsumer and/or otherwise operating in the stream of commerce. Oneexample a provider may be a running company that sells attire for use bya person who runs or participates in athletic activities.

As used herein, the term “consumer” should be understood to refer to arecipient of goods, services, promotions, media, or the like provided bythe promotion and marketing service and/or a merchant. Consumers mayinclude, without limitation, individuals, groups of individuals,corporations, other merchants, and the like. For example, and using theaforementioned running company as the example provider, a consumer maybe an individual who is interested in purchasing running shoes.

As used herein, the term “promotion” may include, but is not limited to,any type of offered, presented or otherwise indicated reward, discount,coupon, credit, deal, incentive, discount, media or the like that isindicative of a promotional value or the like that upon purchase oracceptance results in the issuance of an instrument that may be usedtoward at least a portion of the purchase of particular goods, servicesand/or experiences defined by the promotion.

Promotions may have different values in different contexts. For example,a promotion may have a first value associated with the cost paid by aconsumer, known as an “accepted value.” When redeemed, the promotion maybe used to purchase a “promotional value” representing the retail priceof the goods. The promotion may also have a “residual value,” reflectingthe remaining value of the promotion after expiration. Althoughconsumers may be primarily focused on the accepted and promotional valueof the promotion, a promotion may also have additional associatedvalues. For example, a “cost value” may represent the cost to themerchant to offer the promotion via the promotion and marketing service,where the promotion and marketing service receives the cost value foreach promotion sold to a consumer. The promotion may also include a“return on investment” value, representing a quantified expected returnon investment to the merchant for each promotion sold.

For example, consider a promotion offered by the promotion and marketingservice for a $50 meal promotion for $25 at a particular restaurant. Inthis example, $25 would be the accepted value charged to the consumer.The consumer would then be able to redeem the promotion at therestaurant for $50 applied toward their meal check. This $50 would bethe promotional value of the promotion. If the consumer did not use thepromotion before expiration, the consumer might be able to obtain arefund of $22.50, representing a 10% fee to recoup transaction costs forthe merchant and/or promotion and marketing service. This $22.50 wouldbe the residual value of the promotion. If the promotion and marketingservice charged the merchant $3.00 to offer the promotion, the $3.00 feewould be the “cost value.” The “return on investment” value of thepromotion might be dynamically calculated by the promotion and marketingservice based on the expected repeat business generated by the marketingof the promotion, the particular location, the demographics of theconsumer, and the like. For example, the return on investment valuemight be $10.00, reflecting the long term additional profit expected bythe merchant as a result of bringing in a new customer through use of apromotion. Promotions may be provided to consumers and redeemed via theuse of an “instrument.” Instruments may represent and embody the termsof the promotion from which the instrument resulted. For example,instruments may include, but are not limited to, any type of physicaltoken (e.g., magnetic strip cards or printed barcodes), virtual accountbalance (e.g., a promotion being associated with a particular useraccount on a merchant website), secret code (e.g., a character stringthat can be entered on a merchant website or point-of-sale), tender,electronic certificate, medium of exchange, voucher, or the like whichmay be used in a transaction for at least a portion of the purchase,acquisition, procurement, consumption or the like of goods, servicesand/or experiences as defined by the terms of the promotion.

In some examples, the instrument may take the form of tender that has agiven value that is exchangeable for goods, services and/or experiencesand/or a reduction in a purchase price of a particular good, service orexperience. In some examples, the instrument may have multiple values,such as accepted value, a promotional value and/or a residual value. Forexample, using the aforementioned restaurant as the example provider, anelectronic indication in a mobile application that shows $50 of value tobe used as payment for a meal check at the restaurant. In some examples,the accepted value of the instrument is defined by the value exchangedfor the instrument. In some examples, the promotional value is definedby the promotion from which the instrument resulted and is the value ofthe instrument beyond the accepted value. In some examples, the residualvalue is the value after redemption, the value after the expiry or otherviolation of a redemption parameter, the return or exchange value of theinstrument and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “redemption” refers to the use, exchange orother presentation of an instrument for at least a portion of a good,service or experience as defined by the instrument and its relatedpromotion. In some examples, redemption includes the verification ofvalidity of the instrument. In other example embodiments, redemption mayinclude an indication that a particular instrument has been redeemed andthus no longer retains an actual, promotional and/or residual value(e.g., full redemption). In other example embodiments, redemption mayinclude the redemption of at least a portion of its actual, promotionaland/or residual value (e.g., partial redemption). An example ofredemption, using the aforementioned restaurant as the example provider,is the exchange of the $50 instrument and $50 to settle a $100 mealcheck.

As used herein, the term “impression” refers to a metric for measuringhow frequently consumers are provided with marketing information relatedto a particular good, service, or promotion. Impressions may be measuredin various different manners, including, but not limited to, measuringthe frequency with which content is served to a consumer (e.g., thenumber of times images, websites, or the like are requested byconsumers), measuring the frequency with which electronic marketingcommunications including particular content are sent to consumers (e.g.,a number of e-mails sent to consumers or number of e-mails includingparticular promotion content), measuring the frequency with whichelectronic marketing communications are received by consumers (e.g., anumber of times a particular e-mail is read), or the like. Impressionsmay be provided through various forms of media, including but notlimited to communications, displays, or other perceived indications,such as e-mails, text messages, application alerts, mobile applications,other type of electronic interface or distribution channel and/or thelike, of one or more promotions.

As used herein, the term “electronic marketing information” refers tovarious electronic data and signals that may be interpreted by apromotion and marketing service to provide improved electronic marketingcommunications. Electronic marketing information may include, withoutlimitation, clickstream data (defined below), transaction data (definedbelow), location data (defined below), communication channel data(defined below), discretionary data (defined below), or any other datastored by or received by the promotion and marketing service for use inproviding electronic communications to consumers.

As used herein, the term “clickstream data” refers to electronicinformation indicating content viewed, accessed, edited, or retrieved byconsumers. This information may be electronically processed and analyzedby a promotion and marketing service to improve the quality ofelectronic marketing and commerce transactions offered by, through, andin conjunction with the promotion and marketing service. It should beunderstood that the term “clickstream” is not intended to be limited tomouse clicks. For example, the clickstream data may include variousother consumer interactions, including without limitation, mouse-overevents and durations, the amount of time spent by the consumer viewingparticular content, the rate at which impressions of particular contentresult in sales associated with that content, demographic informationassociated with each particular consumer, data indicating other contentaccessed by the consumer (e.g., browser cookie data), the time or dateon which content was accessed, the frequency of impressions forparticular content, associations between particular consumers orconsumer demographics and particular impressions, and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “transaction data” refers to electronicinformation indicating that a transaction is occurring or has occurredvia either a merchant or the promotion and marketing service.Transaction data may also include information relating to thetransaction. For example, transaction data may include consumer paymentor billing information, consumer shipping information, items purchasedby the consumer, a merchant rewards account number associated with theconsumer, the type of shipping selected by the consumer for fulfillmentof the transaction, or the like.

As used herein, the term “location data” refers to electronicinformation indicating a particular location. Location data may beassociated with a consumer, a merchant, or any other entity capable ofinteraction with the promotion and marketing service. For example, insome embodiments location data is provided by a location services moduleof a consumer mobile device. In some embodiments, location data may beprovided by a merchant indicating the location of consumers within theirretail location. In some embodiments, location data may be provided bymerchants to indicate the current location of the merchant (e.g., a foodtruck or delivery service). It should be appreciated that location datamay be provided by various systems capable of determining locationinformation, including, but not limited to, global positioning servicereceivers, indoor navigation systems, cellular tower triangulationtechniques, video surveillance systems, or radio frequencyidentification (RFID) location systems.

As used herein, the term “communication channel data” refers toelectronic information relating to the particular device orcommunication channel upon which a merchant or consumer communicateswith the promotion and marketing service. In this regard, communicationchannel data may include the type of device used by the consumer ormerchant (e.g., smart phone, desktop computer, laptop, netbook, tabletcomputer), the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device, theavailable bandwidth of a connection, login credentials used to accessthe channel (e.g., a user account and/or password for accessing thepromotion and marketing service), or any other data pertaining to thecommunication channel between the promotion and marketing service and anentity external to the promotion and marketing service.

As used herein, the term “discretionary data” refers to electronicinformation provided by a merchant or consumer explicitly to thepromotion and marketing service in support of improved interaction withthe promotion and marketing service. Upon registering with the promotionand marketing service or at any time thereafter, the consumer ormerchant may be invited to provide information that aids the promotionand marketing service in providing services that are targeted to theparticular needs of the consumer or merchant. For example, a consumermay indicate name, interests, hobbies, their age, gender, location(e.g., “home”, “work”, or other visited places such as future vacationlocations, cities that friends and/or family live in locations, businesstrip locations, or the like), relationship status, dependents,occupation, educational background, or the like. A merchant may indicatethe type of goods or services provided, their retail storefrontlocation, contact information, hours of operation, or the like.

It should be appreciated that the term “discretionary data” is intendedto refer to information voluntarily and explicitly provided to thepromotion and marketing service, such as by completing a form or surveyon a website or application hosted by the promotion and marketingservice. However, is should be appreciated that the examples ofdiscretionary data provided above may also be determined implicitly orthrough review or analysis of other electronic marketing informationprovided to the promotion and marketing service. It should also beappreciated that the promotion and marketing service may also gateaccess to certain features or tools based on whether certaindiscretionary data has been provided. For example, the consumer may berequired to provide information relating to their interests or locationduring a registration process.

As used herein, the term “offering parameters” refers to terms andconditions under which the promotion is offered by a promotion andmarketing service to consumers. These offering parameters may includeparameters, bounds, considerations and/or the like that outline orotherwise define the terms, timing, constraints, limitations, rules orthe like under which the promotion is sold, offered, marketed, orotherwise provided to consumers. Example offering parameters include,using the aforementioned restaurant as the example provider, limit oneinstrument per person, total of 100 instruments to be issued, a runduration of when the promotion will be marketed via the promotion andmarketing service, and parameters for identifying consumers to beoffered the promotion (e.g., factors influencing how consumer locationsare used to offer a promotion).

As used herein, the term “redemption parameters” refers to terms andconditions for redeeming or otherwise obtaining the benefit ofpromotions obtained from a promotion and marketing service. Theredemption parameters may include parameters, bounds, considerationsand/or the like that outline the term, timing, constraints, limitations,rules or the like for how and/or when an instrument may be redeemed. Forexample, the redemption parameters may include an indication that theinstrument must be redeemed prior to a specified deadline, for aspecific good, service or experience and/or the like. For example, usingthe aforementioned restaurant as the example provider, the redemptionparameters may specify a limit of one instrument per visit, that thepromotion must be used in store only, or that the promotion must be usedby a certain date.

As used herein, the term “promotion content” refers to display factorsor features that influence how the promotion is displayed to consumers.For example, promotion content may include an image associated with thepromotion, a narrative description of the promotion or the merchant, adisplay template for association with the promotion, or the like. Forexample, merchant self-service indicators (defined below) may be used toidentify promotion offers that were generated by merchants with similarcharacteristics to the merchant self-service indicators. Various otherfactors may be used to generate the promotion offer, such as the successof the promotion offers generated by the merchants with similarcharacteristics, the product availability of the merchant, and the like.

As used herein, the term “promotion component” is used to refer toelements of a particular promotion that may be selected during apromotion generation process. Promotion components may include anyaspect of a promotion, including but not necessarily limited to offeringparameters, redemption parameters, and promotion content. For example,promotion components may include, but are not limited to, promotiontitles, promotion leads (e.g., a short text phrase displayed under apromotion title), promotion images, promotion prices, promotion discountlevels, promotion style sheets, promotion fonts, promotion e-mailsubjects, promotion quantities, promotion fine print options, promotionfees assessed to the merchant by the promotion and marketing service, orthe like. Promotion components may also include various flags andsettings associated with registration and verification functions for amerchant offering the promotion, such as whether the identity of themerchant has been verified, whether the merchant is registered with thepromotion and marketing service, or the like.

As used herein, the term “electronic marketing communication” refers toany electronically generated information content provided by thepromotion and marketing service to a consumer for the purpose ofmarketing a promotion, good, or service to the consumer. Electronicmarketing communications may include any email, short message service(SMS) message, web page, application interface, or the likeelectronically generated for the purpose of attempting to sell or raiseawareness of a product, service, promotion, or merchant to the consumer.

It should be appreciated that the term “electronic marketingcommunication” implies and requires some portion of the content of thecommunication to be generated via an electronic process. For example, atelephone call made from an employee of the promotion and marketingservice to a consumer for the purpose of selling a product or servicewould not qualify as an electronic marketing communication, even if theidentity of the call recipient was selected by an electronic process andthe call was dialed electronically, as the content of the telephone callis not generated in an electronic manner. However, a so-called“robo-call” with content programmatically selected, generated, orrecorded via an electronic process and initiated by an electronic systemto notify a consumer of a particular product, service, or promotionwould qualify as an electronic marketing communication. Similarly, amanually drafted e-mail sent from an employee of the promotion andmarketing service to a consumer for the purpose of marketing a productwould not qualify as an electronic marketing communication. However, aprogrammatically generated email including marketing materialsprogrammatically selected based on electronic marketing informationassociated with the recipient would qualify as an electronic marketingcommunication.

Technical Underpinnings and Implementation of Exemplary Embodiments

Merchants, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, havespent a tremendous amount of time, money, manpower, and other resourcesto determine the best way to market their products to consumers. Whethera given marketing effort is successful is often determined based on thereturn-on-investment offered to the merchant from increased awareness,sales, and the like of the merchant's goods and services in exchange forthe resources spent on the marketing effort. In other words, optimalmarketing techniques generally maximize the benefit to the merchant'sbottom line while minimizing the cost spent on marketing. To this end, amerchant's marketing budget may be spent in a variety of differentmanners including advertising, offering of discounts, conducting marketresearch, and various other known marketing techniques. The end goal ofthese activities is to ensure that products are presented to consumersin a manner that maximizes the likelihood that the consumers willpurchase the product from the merchant that performed the marketingactivities while minimizing the expense of the marketing effort.

The advent of electronic commerce has revolutionized the marketingprocess. While merchants would typically have to perform costly marketresearch such as focus groups, surveys, and the like to obtain detailedinformation on consumer preferences and demographics, the digital agehas provided a wealth of new consumer information that may be used tooptimize the marketing and sales process. As a result, new technologieshave been developed to gather, aggregate, analyze, and reportinformation from a variety of electronic sources.

So-called “clickstream data” provides a robust set of informationdescribing the various interactions consumers have with electronicmarketing information provided to them by merchants and others.Promotion and marketing services have been developed with sophisticatedtechnology to receive and process this data for the benefit of bothmerchants and consumers. These services assist merchants with marketingtheir products to interested consumers, while reducing the chance that aconsumer will be presented with marketing information in which theconsumer has no interest. Some promotion and marketing services furtherleverage their access to the trove of electronic marketing informationto assist merchants and consumers with other tasks, such as offeringimproved merchant point-of-sale systems, improved inventory and supplychain management, improved methods for delivering products and services,and the like.

Unlike conventional marketing techniques related to the use of paper orother physical media (e.g., coupons clipped from a weekly newspaper),promotion and marketing services offer a wealth of additional electronicsolutions to improve the experience for consumers and merchants. Theability to closely monitor user impressions provides the ability for thepromotion and marketing service to gather data related to the time,place, and manner in which the consumer engaged with the impression(e.g., viewed, clicked, moused-over) and obtained and redeemed thepromotion. The promotion and marketing service may use this informationto determine which products and services are most relevant to theconsumer's interest, and to provide marketing materials related to saidproducts and services to the consumer, thus improving the quality of theelectronic marketing communications received by the consumer. Merchantsmay be provided with the ability to dynamically monitor and adjust theparameters of promotions offered by the promotion and marketing service,ensuring that the merchant receives a positive return on theirinvestment. For example, the merchant can closely monitor the type,discount level, and quantity sold of a particular promotion on the fly,while with traditional printed coupons the merchant would not be able tomake any changes to the promotion after the coupon has gone to print.Each of these advancements in digital market and promotion distributioninvolve problems unique to the digital environment not before seen intraditional print or television broadcast marketing.

However, these promotion and marketing services are not withoutproblems. Although the clickstream data provides a wealth ofinformation, the inventors have determined that existing techniques maynot always leverage this information in an efficient or accurate manner.Technology continues to rapidly advance in the field of analytics andthe processing of this information, offering improved data gathering andanalysis techniques, resulting in more relevant and accurate resultsprovided in a more efficient manner. Electronic marketing servicescontinue to evolve and provide improved methods for engaging consumersand spreading awareness of products offered by promotion and marketingservices.

In many cases, the inventors have determined that these services areconstrained by technological obstacles unique to the electronic natureof the services provided, such as constraints on data storage, machinecommunication and processor resources. The inventors have identifiedthat the wealth of electronic data available to these services and therobust nature of electronic marketing communications techniques presentnew challenges never contemplated in the world of paper coupons andphysical marketing techniques. The inventors have further determinedthat even technological methods that leverage computers for statisticalanalysis and consumer behavior modeling (e.g., television ratingsystems) fail to address problems associated with providing relevant,high quality electronic marketing communications (e.g., impressions) toconsumers in a manner that maximizes accuracy, minimizes error, is userfriendly and provides for efficient allocation of resources. Embodimentsof the present invention as described herein serve to correct theseerrors and offer improved resource utilization, thus providingimprovements to electronic marketing services that address problemsarising out of the electronic nature of those services.

Various embodiments of the present invention may streamline or improvethe electronic processing of online purchase operations. Some currentelectronic commerce system provide consumers with advertisements andproduct purchase platforms which may necessitate the consumer enteringtransaction information, such as personal information, billinginformation, product information, or the like. The repeated transmissionof the transaction data produces a security risk for transaction signalsand messages being intercepted and used for fraudulent purposes. Thismay be exacerbated by the fact that most consumer transactions areconducted over unsecured communication methods. Additionally, consumersmay be disinclined to complete the transaction due to the time andeffort needed to enter the transaction information and/or the sensitiveinformation that is transmitted. In some example embodiments of thepresent invention a method, apparatus, or computer program product isprovided that may allow a consumer to respond to a reply to buy (RTB)prompt or RTB message with a reply message, which may be associated withthe consumers profile stored at a promotion and marketing service hostdevice, e.g. host device, therefore allowing the transaction to takeplace without entering the transaction information in conjunction withthe purchase. The RTB prompt may be associated with a RTB identifierthat may populate the RTB reply message upon selection. The RTBidentifier may indicate the promotion which is offered for purchase, forexample, that RTB identifier may be a RTB message address, associatedwith a promotion for running shoes. Additionally or alternatively, theRTB identifier may be entered into the reply message body, or otherfields, such as an email header, possibly as a recipient email address.

The consumer may enter a predetermined RTB validation code into the RTBreply message to indicate the intent to purchase the promotionassociated with the RTB identifier and/or the consumer profile. In someembodiments, the RTB validation code may be predetermined by the hostdevice or self-selected by the consumer. The utilization of an RTBvalidation code, provides a secure method for the consumer to conveytheir intent to purchase the promotion in association with the RTBidentifier without entering and transmitting additional transactioninformation.

A host device may receive the RTB reply message from the consumer deviceand parse the RTB identifier, RTB validation code, and other data fromthe RTB reply message and process the reply message. Processing the RTBreply message may include associating the message with the consumerprofile and authenticating the RTB validation code. Once the RTBvalidation code has been authenticated, the host device may associatethe message with a provider profile and retrieve promotion details basedon the RTB identifier. In response, the host device may generatepurchase order based on the provider data and the promotion details, andmay send a purchase order to the associated provider device.

The provider may receive the purchase order at a provider device andgenerate and subsequently send a RTB confirmation message to the hostdevice, which may then send the RTB confirmation message to the senderdevice based on the consumer profile data.

In an example embodiment, the host device may determine relevantpromotions based on discretionary data, electronic marketinginformation, communication channel data, promotion parameters, or thelike. The host device may send a targeted RTB message to the senderdevice based on the relevant promotions. The RTB message may be email,text message, social media message, or any other type of two wayelectronic communication. The RTB message may include the RTB prompt asa selectable link, or the RTB identifier may be incorporated into theRTB message reply address.

In some example embodiments, the promotion and marketing service hostmay add additional security by obfuscating the message addresses fromthe sender device and/or the recipient device for some or all of themessages in the RTB process. In this example embodiment, the host devicemay assign a first transaction address to the sender device and a secondtransaction address the recipient device. The purchase order message maybe associated with the first transaction address and sent to therecipient device. Similarly, the RTB confirmation message may beassociated with the second transaction address and sent to the senderdevice. The obfuscation of message addresses may also allow forsimplified transaction administration, e.g., each transaction may have aunique address for the sender and or recipient, and allow anonymity tothe consumers.

Reply to Buy Data Flow Path

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate data flow paths for reply to buy messaging inaccordance with an example embodiment in the present invention. Data maybe transmitted, received and/or manipulated by a sender device 10, ahost device 12, e.g. host device, or a recipient device 14. The senderdevice 10 or the recipient device 14 may be a mobile computing devicesuch as a laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile phone, smart phone,personal data assistant (PDA), or the like. Additionally oralternatively, the sender device 10 or receiving device 14 may be afixed computing device such as a personal computer, computerworkstation, kiosk, office terminal computer or system or the like. Thehost device 12 may be a mobile computing device, fixed computing device,computer network, e.g. server or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 1A,the host device 12 may determine relevant promotions at step 102. Thehost device 12 may determine relevant promotions based on promotionparameters, such as offering parameters, redemption parameters,promotion content, promotion components, or the like. In some exampleembodiments the host device 12 may also determine relevant promotionsbased on discretionary data, electronic marketing information, andcommunications channel data, or the like received from the sender device10. The relevance determination process is discussed in further detailin FIG. 1B.

The host device 12 may generate a RTB prompt at step 104 based on one ormore relevant promotions. The RTB prompt may be a link associated with amessage address. In an example embodiment, the RTB prompt may be aportion of or otherwise associated with an electronic marketingcommunication, such as an electronic advertisement of a promotion, forexample a promotion on the Groupon™ website, or mobile application. TheRTB prompt may include a RTB identifier associated with a specificpromotion. The RTB identifier may be any combination of characters, suchas letters, numbers or symbols, which may identify a promotion. Forexample, the RTB identifier may be a number, such as 45683, a promotioncode, such as GPONSSSBRS10B, or the like. In some example embodimentsthe RTB identifier may be a portion of a message address. The RTBidentifier may have a validity period associated with the promotion,such as the RTB identifier may be valid only during the period when thepromotion is valid. The host device 12 may transmit the RTB prompt to asender device at step 106. In an instance in which the RTB prompt is notdirectly targeted to a consumer, the RTB prompt may be transmitted toserver or database, which may be accessed by a consumer, such as awebsite server or application server, for example Groupon.com, orGroupon mobile application. In an instance in which the RTB prompt istargeted to a specific consumer or group of consumers, the host device12 may transmit the RTB prompt as a portion of an RTB message to thesender device 10.

A consumer may select a RTB prompt using an interface supported by asending device 10 at step 108. The RTB prompt may be a web browser link,a short message service (SMS) link, an email link, or other message linkassociated with an electronic marketing communication.

In an instance in which the RTB prompt is presented in a web browser ormobile application, the sender device 10 may initiate a messageapplication at step 110. For example, the consumer may select a linkusing an interface associated with the sender device 10, which may openan email application on the sender device 10 to respond to the RTBprompt.

In response to the selection of the reply to buy prompt, the sendingdevice 10 may populate a RTB reply message with the RTB identifier atstep 112. The RTB reply message may include SMS, email, social mediamessage, or any other two way electronic communications. The RTBidentifier may be populated into the message body, and in some exampleembodiments may include a promotion description. The promotiondescription may be useful to a consumer to verify that they arepurchasing the correct promotion. An example RTB reply message isdepicted in FIG. 11. In some example embodiments, the RTB identifier maybe at least a portion of a message address, for example an emailaddress.

A consumer may enter a RTB validation code in a RTB reply message atstep 114, The RTB validation code may be entered into the RTB replymessage body, the subject line of the message, or other field. The RTBvalidation code may be used by the host device 12 to verify the intentof a consumer to purchase the selected product or service. The RTBvalidation code may be a standard code such as “Yes, please” or aself-selected code selected by the consumer (e.g., “IronMan”, “fluffybunnies,” or “T-Rex”). In an example embodiment, the RTB validation codemay be a brand name used for marketing and/or may be associated with theproduct or service of the transaction. The process for assigning orselecting a RTB validation code is discussed in FIG. 5.

Additionally, at step 116, a consumer may enter a promotional code ordiscount code into the message. Similar to the RTB validation code thepromotional code may be entered in the body of the RTB reply message,the subject line, or other field.

The consumer may enter gift information in to the RTB reply message atstep 118. In an instance in which the product or services beingpurchased as a gift, the consumer may enter a name, message, address,profile identifier, or any other consumer identifier that may be used bythe host device 12 to identify the gift recipient and gift information.In an example embodiment, the consumer may enter the gift recipientidentifier in a carbon copy field, or insert “gift” into the subjectline or body of the reply message to indicate additional giftinformation is to be processed as a portion of the transaction.

In an example embodiment, the consumer may identify other persons for amultiple person promotions, such as a dinner for four. The consumer mayenter “other” followed by an information identifying the additionalpersons, or enter the additional persons addresses in the carbon copyfield of the message, in a manner similar to gift information.

The sender device 10 may transmit the RTB reply message to the hostdevice 12 at step 120. The host device 12 may parse the RTB replymessage fields and identify the various data for processing, such asthe, consumer identity data, such as sender message address or consumeridentifier, RTB identifier, RTB validation code, promotional code, giftinformation, additional persons, or the like. The host device 12 mayparse the RTB reply message based on information being entered orpopulated in predetermined fields, such as subject line contains RTBidentifier, body contains RTB validation code, or the like. In anexample embodiment, the host device 12 may parse the RTB reply messagebased on trigger words, such as “gift,” “validation code,” “others,” orthe like. In some example embodiments, the host device 12 may parse theRTB reply message by searching the message for character strings, suchas RTB identifiers may consist of 16 characters, validation codesinclude 12 characters, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, thecharacter strings may include a predetermined character, starting,ending or included within the character string. In some embodiments,particular types of messages are associated with the presence ofparticular characters included in the character string. For example, RTBidentifiers may start with “$$,” RTB validation codes may end with “!”or the like.

At step 122, the host device 12 may authenticate the RTB validationcode. The host device 12 may associate the consumer identity data with aconsumer profile and compare the RTB validation code received in the RTBreply message with the RTB validation code associated with the consumerprofile. The consumer profile may be stored in a memory associated withor accessible to the host device 12, such as a consumer profile databaseor subscriber management database. In an instance in which the RTBvalidation codes match, the host device 12 may authenticate the RTBvalidation code and continue processing the RTB reply message. In aninstance in which the host device 12 does not validate the RTBvalidation code, the host device 12 may terminate the processing of theRTB reply message, and may additionally transmit an improper validationmessage to the sender device 10, not shown. The improper validationmessage may prevent fraudulent purchases using the consumer's profiledata. The RTB code validation process is discussed in further detail inFIG. 8.

In an instance when the RTB validation code is authenticated, the hostdevice 12 may associate the message from the sender device 10 with arecipient, e.g. provider profile at step 124. The host device 12 mayassociate the message with the provider profile based on the populatedmessage data, such as RTB identifier, provider identifier, or the like.The host device 12 may retrieve a recipient message address associatedwith the recipient device 14 for addressing transmission from the hostdevice 12 to the recipient device 14.

The host device 12 may generate a purchase order at step 126. The hostdevice 12 may retrieve product data associated with the promotion basedon the RTB identifier pared from the RTB reply message, as discussedabove at step 122. The product data may be stored in a promotiondatabase or other memory associated with or accessible by the hostdevice 12. The host device 12 product data may include promotionparameters, such as the good or service associated with promotion,promotion identifiers, product details, such as size, color, location,times or the like. The host device 12 may populate a purchase ordermessage with product data, such as the product description, productcode, promotion identifier, product details, or the like. The hostdevice 12 may populate the purchase order with logistic data associatewith the consumer, such as billing information, consumer name, consumerID, shipping information, gift recipient name, or the like. In aninstance in which a promotion code is identified in the RTB replymessage, the host device 12 may validate the promotional code bycomparing it to a promotional code or codes associated with thepromotion and adjust the product billing price or other promotionparameters accordingly.

The host device 12 may transmit the purchase order message to therecipient “provider” device 14 at step 128. The recipient device 14 mayreceive the purchase order message and process the transaction.Processing the transaction may include transmitting a recipient RTBconfirmation message.

The host device 12 may receive an RTB confirmation message from therecipient device 14 at step 130. The confirmation message may beaddressed to the consumer or sender device 10. The host device 12 maytransmit the RTB confirmation message to the sending device 10 at step132. The host device 12 may associate the RTB confirmation message withthe consumer profile, in an instance in which the consumer identifier isincluded in the RTB confirmation message. The host device 12 may addressthe RTB confirmation message to the sender device 10 using a senderdevice address associated with the consumer profile.

In an example embodiment, the host device 12 may additionally send theRTB confirmation massage to additional persons or gift recipientsassociated with the RTB purchase.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the host device 12 maydetermine relevant promotions for targeting a specific consumer or groupof consumers. The host device 12 may receive discretionary data from thesender device 10 at step 101 a. The discretionary data may includeconsumer attributes, consumer search data, a consumer input proximityradius, or the like. The host device 12 may receive electronic marketinginformation from the sender device 10 at step 101 b. The electronicmarketing information may include click stream data, consumer purchasehistory, consumer historical location data, promotion impressions,location data, or the like.

The host device may receive communications channel data from the senderdevice 10 at step 101 c. The communications channel data may includetype of device, login credentials, or the like.

Additionally, the host device 12 may be associated with or have accessto a promotion database. The host device may access or retrievepromotion information such as promotion parameters, promotion times,promotion locations, or the like. In some example embodiments, the hostdevice 12 may have access to other information databases which mayinclude without limitation map data, weather data, environment data,e.g. location association with a rural or urban environment, or thelike.

At step 102 a, the host device 12 may determine a first relevancecriteria. The first relevance criteria may be determined by apredetermined hierarchy, may be based on aggregate consumer purchasehistory, may be based on discretionary data, such as a preferredcriteria, or the like. The first ranking criteria may be any dataincluded in the discretionary data, electronic marketing data,communication channel data, or the like.

The host device 12 may generate a first ranking of promotions at step102 b. The host device 12 may generate the first ranking of promotionsby correlating the first relevance criteria with promotion parametersassociated with each promotion.

In an example embodiment, the host device 12 may use the number ofconsumers associated with a consumer, such as relationship status,number of children or dependents, or the like to generate the firstranking of promotions. The host device 12 may provide promotions forwhich the promotion parameters are conducive to multiple consumers, suchas dinner for two, tea for four, buy two get one free. The processor 202may also generate a first ranking of promotions in which the promotionparameters of the promotions are specified for a single consumer, butthere is multiple availability, such as haircut for $10 with fouravailable times. The host device 12 may exclude promotions which are forgroups smaller than the number of consumers associated with theconsumer.

In an example embodiment the relevance criteria may be a real timeprovider notice. The host device 12 may generate a first ranking ofpromotions based on the real time provider notice. A provider may have aslow period of business and provide a real time notice that consumersmay receive a promotion within a short specified time period. Forexample, a provider may provide a real time notice for a late lunchspecial at 3 in the afternoon, with a one hour duration. The host device12 may provide the promotion during the promotion period.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be a consumerattribute from a consumer profile. The consumer profile may be stored ina database associated with or otherwise accessible to the host device12, such as the consumer profile database or subscriber managementdatabase. The host device 12 may receive the consumer attribute from thedatabase. The host device 12 may use the consumer attribute to generatea first ranking of promotions. The consumer profile parameters mayinclude, gender, age, race, group affiliations, relationships with otherconsumers, preferences, important dates, such as anniversaries andbirthdays, or the like. The host device 12 may use one or more of theconsumer attributes to generate the first ranking list. For example, thehost device 12 may use an important data, such as a birthday of a spouseand historical location data, to provide promotions for gifts orservices that could be used as a birthday present, such as flowers forhalf off, jewelry, or the like.

In another example, the host device 12 may use a consumer attribute suchas relationship data, for example, married or in a relationship toprovide promotions that may be more desirable to a couple and notprovide promotions that may be more desirable to a single person. Forexample, if the relationship data indicated that the consumer wasmarried, the provided promotions may include promotions for romanticactivities or couples activities such as dinners, events, or the likefor couples. In the same example, the provided promotion may not includepromotions targeted for singles, such as discounted drinks at a singlesbar, or dating services.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be a consumerpreference. The consumer preferences may be entered by a consumer asdiscretionary data or determined based on previous purchases, e.g.electronic marketing data. The consumer preferences may be stored in adata, such as a consumer profile database or subscriber managementdatabase. The host device 12 may receive the consumer preferences fromthe database. The host device 12 may generate a first ranking ofpromotions based on the consumer preferences to provide promotions inwhich a promotion parameter is preferred and exclude promotions in whicha promotion parameter is not preferred. For example, the consumerpreference may indicate that the consumer prefers Chinese food and doesnot prefer fast food, the provided promotions may include Chinese andother restaurants, but not include fast food restaurants.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be consumer searchdata. The host device 12 may use the consumer search data to generate afirst ranking of promotions. The consumer search data may be any inputinto the search field. For example, the consumer may enter into thesearch field on the user interface associated with the sender device 10,“pizza”. The host device 12 may provide promotions in which a promotionparameter is pizza or the provider location is associated with pizza.Further, the host device 12 may return results for when the consumersearch data is misspelled, abbreviated, or is a partial entry. Forexample, the processor may provide promotions for “pizza” when theentered search criteria is “pissa”, “pitza”, “pizz” or “pizza”.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be consumer input.The host device 12 may receive the consumer input from sender device 10entered using a user interface associated with the sender device. Thehost device 12 may generate a first ranking of promotions based on theconsumer input. Consumer input may be method of travel, time of day, dayof the week, date, or the like in which the consumer wants toparticipate in a promotion. For example, the consumer may want to eatdinner at 6 pm. The host device 12 may exclude promotions from the firstranking list that end prior to 6 pm and/or start after 7 pm. In anexample in which the consumer input is method of travel, the processormay adjust a proximity radius between the sender device 10 andpromotions. For example, if the consumer is walking there may be asmaller radius than if the consumer was driving. In an exampleembodiment in which the consumer does not specify an alternative time ordate, the processor 202 may use the current time and date and providepromotions which are currently available.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be promotion times.The host device 12 may use the promotion start and end times to generatea first ranking of promotions. For example, the host device 12 may onlyprovide promotions that are currently available for purchase and/orredemption, and exclude promotions that have expired or have not startedyet. In another embodiment, the processor may also use consumer inputsuch as a date and/or time to generate a ranking of promotions. Forexample, the consumer may input a time and date of Feb. 1, 2014 at 12pm. The host device 12 may provide promotions that are available duringthat time and date, e.g. start and end time of the promotion.

In another example, the host device 12 may use a purchase history toprovide promotions similar to promotions including products or servicesthat the consumer has previously purchased.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be the number ofviews of a promotion or provider location, e.g. impressions. The hostdevice 12 may use the number of views of the promotion to generate thefirst ranking of promotions. In an example embodiment, the promotion mayhave a parameter to display the promotion a predetermined number oftimes, such as one, two, three or any other number of views. The hostdevice 12 may provide promotions that have not exceeded the number ofviews. For example the provider may offer a larger discount for firsttime clients or first view of the promotion. In an example embodiment,the promotion may have a parameter which allows the display of apromotion after a predetermined number of views of an associatedpromotion or provider location. The promotion may be displayed if aconsumer has viewed an associated promotion and not purchased or bookeda promotion a predetermined number of times, such as two, three or anyother number of views, indicating that the consumer may be interested inthe promotion at a lower price. For example, if a consumer has viewed apromotion twice without purchase or booking, an associated promotion maybe displayed with a lower price or alternative goods or services.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be weather data.The weather data may be received by the host device 12 from a weatherdatabase or entered by the consumer using the user interface associatedwith the sender device. The host device 12 may use the weather data togenerate a first ranking of promotions. The weather may include thetemperature, humidity, precipitation, cloud cover, sunrise and sunset,or the like. The host device 12 may provide promotions that may be moredesirable in the current or predicted weather conditions. For example,in an instance in which the weather is warm and sunny, the host device12 may provide promotions that occur outside, or have an outdoor option,such as outdoor sports and activities, patio dining, outdoor concerts,or the like. In an example, in which the weather is cold and cloudy, thehost device 12 may provide promotions that occur indoors, such as diningin, theatre, indoor concerts and sporting events, or the like.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be the type ofenvironment associated with the location, such as rural or urban. Thehost device 12 may use the environment data to generate the firstranking of promotions. The environment may adjust a proximity radiusbetween the sender, e.g. consumer device location, and promotions. In anurban area the host device 12 may reduce the proximity radius due todensity of the promotions and provider locations and the travel timerequired to reach more distant provider locations. In a rural area thehost device 12 may increase the proximity radius due to the lowerpromotion and provider location density and the travel time to reachmore distant provider locations.

In an example embodiment, the host device may determine whether topresent promotion(s) by assigning a score to each of the promotions.Example methods for assigning scores to promotions are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/411,502 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/644,352, both of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties. The promotion score may be, for example, anindication of a probability that the consumer will purchase therespective promotion. In addition or alternatively, the promotion scoremay be a representation of a relevance the respective promotion has withthe consumer.

In some embodiments, after promotions are assigned their respectivepromotion scores, the highest scoring promotions may be identified forinclusion in the RTB message. However, in some embodiments, the hostdevice 12 may cause the processor 202 to further utilize a secondrelevance criteria at step 102 c. The second relevance criteria may bespecified by the consumer or the host device 12 after the generation ofthe first ranking. For example, the first relevance criteria may includepre-entered preferences, and historical data, the second relevancecriteria may include updated relevance criteria, consumer input, changein consumer location, or the like.

In some embodiments, the sender device 10 and or RTB message may havelimited space to display impressions. Accordingly, the host device 12may generate a second ranking of promotions for presentation to theconsumer at step 102 d, wherein the second ranking is generated based onthe correlating the second relevance criteria to the promotionparameters of each of the promotions similar to generating the firstranking list discussed at step 102 b.

In some embodiments, a number of impressions associated with promotionsfor inclusion in the RTB message may be set such that only the topnumber n of promotions having the highest promotion scores are included.In an example embodiment, a consumer may select to display more, less,or the next set of promotions using the user interface associated withthe sender device 10. In other embodiments, only those promotionsmeeting a predefined threshold are included. The host device 12 maycompare the second ranking of promotions to a relevancy threshold atstep 102 e. The host device 12 may determine relevant promotions basedon promotions that satisfy the relevance threshold.

Additional descriptions of relevance determination algorithms foridentifying promotions relevant to a consumer that may be usedalternatively or additionally are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/411,502, filed Mar. 2, 2012, titled “RELEVANCE SYSTEM FORCONSUMER DEALS”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,581 entitled“PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM” and filed on Mar. 14, 2013, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/776,0208, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,355,948, titled“SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DISCOUNT RETAILING” filed on May 7, 2010, theentirety of each is incorporated by reference herein.

A host device 12 may generate a targeted RTB message including the RTBidentifier, at step 104. The RTB message may be email, SMS, social mediamessaging or any other two way communications message. The RTBidentifier may be associated with a selectable link in the RTB message,such as the RTB prompt discussed in FIG. 1A. The RTB message may anelectronic commerce communication with multiple promotions, each with aunique RTB identifier and/or RTB prompt. Additionally, the RTBidentifiers may be associated with options associated with thepromotions or promotion details, such as quantity, size, color, or thelike.

In some example embodiments the RTB identifier(s) may be unique to thepromotion and the consumer. The RTB identifier may be associated with orgenerated in a similar manner as transaction addresses discussed belowin FIG. 1C.

The host device 12 may transmit the RTB message, e.g. targeted RTBprompt, to the sender device 10.

In another example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the host device 12may obfuscate message addresses. The host device 12 may receive a RTBreply message from the sender device 10 at step 120 and may generate andassign a first transaction address to the sender or sender device 10 anda second transaction address to the recipient or recipient device 14 atstep 123. The host device 12 may generate the transaction addressesbased on sender message address, the recipient message address, thesender and/or recipient identifiers, RTB identifier, a date or timeidentifier, account identifier, or the like. In some instances thetransaction address may be derived from the RTB reply message from thesender device 10. For example, a time stamp associated with the messagemay be used to encode the sender and/or recipient information.

The host device 12 may generate and assign the following transactionaddresses:

first transaction address: 4868985506@hostcompany.comsecond transaction address: 212700048@hostcompany.com

Each transaction address includes a domain (hostcompany.com) associatedwith the company (e.g., promotion and marketing service) that operateshost device 12. The local part of the transaction addresses (i.e.,4868985506 and 212700048 respectively) were determined by using a RTBidentifier to hash respective identifiers associated with the consumerand the provider. In particular, promotion and marketing host 12assigned RTB number 45683 (i.e., RTB identifier) to the RTB message andthen multiplied this transaction number by a sender identifier (e.g.,consumer account number 106582) to obtain the local part of the firsttransaction address (i.e., 4868985506). Similarly, the host device 12multiplied the RTB identifier 45683 by a recipient identifier (e.g.,provider number 4656) to obtain the local part of the second transactionaddress (i.e., 212700048).

In some example embodiments, the host device 12 may generate thetransaction addresses by encoding sender and/or recipient messageaddresses, such as email addresses, and at least one of the senderand/or recipient identifier, recipient group identifier, a RTBidentifier, a date and/or time identifier, an account identifier, or thelike. The encoding may be a hashing function of the respective emailaddress and identifier. For example, the local portion of the emailaddress may be translated and added to the identifier as a numericvalue. One such translation may be numeric substitution of non-numericcharacters based on alphabetic sequence, e.g. a=1, b=2, c=3, etc., forexample “consumer1234” may be translated to 315141921135181234. Oneskilled in the art would appreciate that the hashing function may beperformed by other mathematical operations, such as subtraction,multiplication, division, or the like or by more complex methods.

f(x)=sender address identifier+identifer(x)

f(x)=receipient address identifer+identifer(x)

Using the above equation, the example sender address identifier (e.g.consumer1234=315141921135181234 may be added to the RTB identifier (e.g.45683) resulting in a transaction address local portion of315141921135226917. The local portion may be appended to the host domainto result in a first transactional address315141921135226917@hostcompany.com. Continuing the example,provider4567@groupon.com may be hashed as discussed resulting in asecond transaction address of 116181522945230250@hostcompany.com.

In an example embodiment, the encoding may be based on a cryptographichash function, such as secure hash algorithm 1 (SHA1), utilizing thealphanumeric representations of the transaction and user (e.g. consumeror provider identifiers). The cryptologic hash function may hashstringified representations of the data structure containing thealphanumeric identifiers. The stringified representation may be thebinary language for the transaction or user identifier converted toalphanumeric text for the hashing process. The resulting stringifiedhashed representation may be utilized as the local portion of thetransactional address.

Encoding the email address identifier and respective second identifierby hashing is illustrated as an example, it will be appreciated that anyencoding method which obfuscates the message identifier of the senderand recipient could be used, such as substitution, or more complexencoding processes.

The host device 12 may assign a transactional address to the sender orsender device 10 and a transactional address to the recipient orrecipient device 14. The host device 12 may identify subsequent messagesbased on the sender and/or recipient transactional address oridentifiers. The host device 12 may assign the transaction addressesprior to sending the RTB message, or may assign transaction addressesafter receiving a reply message from the sender device 10.

The transaction addresses may be assigned for a transaction period suchas a single transaction, transaction group, or the like. The transactionaddresses may be valid for the transaction period. In an example, thetransaction addresses may be assigned for the duration of a transaction,such as from the request or purchase of the good, service, or promotion,until redemption. In this example, the transaction period may beterminated in response to the completion of the transaction.

In an example embodiment the transaction addresses may be assigned andvalid for a time period associated with the transaction, for example aperiod before and after the transaction, or in an instance in which thetransaction would not have a natural expiration such as completion of apurchase or participation in a purchased event. In an example, thetransaction addresses are assigned for a predetermined period after theredemption or competition of the transaction to allow for feedback,inspections, questions about the product or service, or the like. In anexample in which a consumer or provider is requesting information abouta review, the transaction addresses may be assigned to the transactionof information for a predetermined period, such as one week, one month,or any other period of time.

In an example embodiment, the sender and/or the recipient may extend thetransaction period, thus extending the validity of the transactionaddresses by contacting the host device 12. For example, the consumer orprovider may desire to extend the transaction period associated with thetransaction addresses to resolve issues arising from the transaction,conduct a related transaction, or the like.

The host device 12 may associate the purchase order message with thetransaction address of the sender device 10 at step 127. The host device12 may identify the sender transactional address using the RTBidentifier, sender message address, such as email address, senderidentifier, or the like. The sender transactional address may beretrieved from the subscriber management database, consumer profiledatabase, or other data storage. The host device 12 may associate thepurchase order message with the sender transactional address by enteringor substitution of the sender transactional address into the senderfield of the message. For example, the sender addressconsumer1234@groupon.com may be substituted with315141921135226917@hostcompany.com.

The host device 12 may identify and retrieve the recipient messageaddress based on the RTB identifier, recipient transactional address,sender transactional address, or he like. The host device 12 maypopulate the recipient field with the recipient message address.

The host device 12 may transmit the purchase order message to therecipient device 14 using the transactional address of the sender (e.g.315141921135226917@hostcompany.com) and email address (e.g.provider4567@groupon.com) of the recipient.

The recipient device 14 may respond to the sender by generating a RTBconfirmation message at step 128 in which the sender's transactionaladdress or sender identifier is used in the recipient field. Therecipient device 14 may fill the recipient and sender fields based onthe message received from the host device 12. For example, the senderfield may be the recipient address (e.g. provider4567@groupon.com) andthe recipient field may be the sender transactional address (e.g.315141921135226917@hostcompany.com). The host device 12 may receive theRTB confirmation message from the recipient device 14 to the senderdevice 10 at step 130.

The host device 12 may associate the RTB confirmation message from therecipient device 14 with the transactional address associated with thesender device 10 at step 131. As discussed above, the host device 12 mayidentify the transactional address and email address of the sender 10and recipient 14 respectively. The host device 12 may substitute theemail address (e.g. provider4567@groupon.com) of the recipient 14 withthe transactional address (e.g. 3818916456@hostcompany.com) associatedwith the recipient. The host device 12 may also substitute thetransactional address (e.g. 315141921135226917@hostcompany.com) of thesender 10 with the sender's email address (e.g.consumer1234@groupon.com) retrieved from a memory, such as a subscribermanagement database or consumer profile database.

The host device 12 may transmit the RTB confirmation message from therecipient device 14 to the sender device 10 using the transactionaddresses and email addresses as described above.

The obfuscation of email addresses in both directions of communicationsallows for the email addresses to be used for the course of thetransaction without risk of loss of privacy to the email or othermessage application account holders. Further, the use of the transactionaddresses creates a distinguishable communication chains associated withthe transaction.

Example Apparatus

The sender device 10 or host device 12 may be embodied or otherwiseassociated with an apparatus, such as apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus 200 may include a processor 202, amemory 204, a communications interface 206, and a user interface 208,and may be configured to execute the operations described below. In someembodiments, the processor 202 (and/or co-processor or any otherprocessing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with theprocessor) may be in communication with the memory 204 via a bus forpassing information among components of the apparatus. The memory 204may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatileand/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memorymay be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storagemedium). The memory may be configured to store information, data,content, applications, instructions, or the like, for enabling theapparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

The processor 202 may be embodied in a number of different ways and may,for example include one or more processing devices configured to performindependently. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may includeone or more processors configured in tandem via a bus to enableindependent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/ormultithreading.

In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to executeinstructions stored in the memory 204 or otherwise accessible to theprocessor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may beconfigured to execute hard-coded functionality. As such, whetherconfigured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof,the processor 202 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied incircuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodimentof the present invention while configured accordingly. Alternatively, asanother example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an executor ofsoftware instructions, the instructions may specifically configure theprocessor 202 to perform the algorithms and/or operations describedherein when the instructions are executed.

In some embodiments, the communications interface 206 may be any meanssuch as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or acombination of hardware and software that is configured to receiveand/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device or modulein communication with the apparatus 200. In this regard, thecommunication interface may include, for example, an antenna (ormultiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enablingcommunications with a wireless communication network. Additionally oralternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry forinteracting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via theantenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s).In some environments, the communication interface may additionally oralternatively support wired communication. As such, for example, thecommunication interface may include a communication modem and/or otherhardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), or other mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the apparatus 200 may include a user interface 208 that may,in turn, be in communication with processor 202 to provide output to theuser and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input.As such, the user interface 206 may include a display and may comprise aweb user interface, a mobile application, a client device, a kiosk, orthe like. In some embodiments, the user interface 306 may also include akeyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, amicrophone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. The processor202, or user interface circuitry comprising the processor 202, may beconfigured to control one or more functions of one or more userinterface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., softwareand/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g.,memory 204, and/or the like).

Example Data Flow from a Message Application to the Host

Referring now to FIG. 3, the data flows from a sender device 10 orrecipient device 14 message application to the host device 12 areillustrated. The message application may be a MUA or a web form. Thefollowing illustration is made from the sender perspective; however oneskilled in that art would understand that the process may be performedsimilarly for the recipient perspective. The sender device 10 may sendinformation to the host device 12 to identify the sender and theirassociated message address, such as an email address or aconsumer/provider identifier, or the like. In some embodiments, thesender provides only contact information such as an email identifier(local portion), domain, and the version of the message application. Thelocal portion, domain, and version may be derived from the transmissionof an email.

In another example, the sender may provide further information such asname, age, phone number, alternate email addresses, preferences,relationship status, or the like. The additional information may bederived from a subscription to a service, creation of an online accountor user profile, or the like.

The host device 12 may use the sender email address local portion,domain, and application version in the generation of transactionaddresses as discussed in FIG. 1C. Further, the host may store thesender email address local portion, domain, application version, or thelike in a memory, such as a subscription management database or consumerprofile database, and may associate the information with a user profile.

The sender device 10 or recipient device 14 message application maytransmit messages to the host device 12 for transmission to therespective recipient, as described in FIG. 1C.

Example Data Flow from a Sender Message Application to a RecipientMessage Application

FIG. 4 illustrates example data flow paths from a sender messageapplication to a recipient message application. The sender device 10message application may transmit a message to the host device 12. Themessage may include a message application identifier, message contextparameters, the sender's email address, including sender emailidentifier, the message content, or the like.

The host device 12 may receive the RTB reply message and associate thetransaction address associated with the sender with the RTB replymessage. The host device 12 may substitute the sender's email addresswith the transaction address, as discussed in FIG. 1C. The host device12 may generate the purchase order message including the associatedtransaction addresses. The purchase order message may then betransmitted by the host device 12 using the transaction addressassociated with the sender and the message address associated with therecipient.

In an example embodiment, the transaction addresses may be generated andassigned prior to transmission of the RTB message. The host device 12may utilize the transaction addresses for any or all transmissionsbetween sender device 10 and the recipient device 14.

In an example embodiment the host device 12 may be separate hosts forthe sending and receiving of messages, utilizing common transactionaddress data. The purchase order message may be relayed through one ormore message transfer agents (MTAs) before or after the respective hostdevices 12. The MTA may transmit the purchase order message to the hostdevice 12. The host device 12 may receive the purchase order messagefrom the MTA and identify the recipient based on the recipienttransaction address. The host device 12 may identify the recipient emailaddress and recipient message application and associate the message withthe recipient email address by substitution or entry of the recipientaddress in the recipient field of the purchase order message. The hostdevice 12 may also format the message for compatibility with therecipient message application.

The host device 12 may send the purchase order message to the recipientdevice 14 using the recipient's message address. Although FIG. 4illustrates the data flow from the sender device 10 to a recipientdevice 14, it should be appreciated that the process may also be used totransmit a confirmation message from the recipient device to the senderdevice as discussed in FIG. 1C.

Example Process for Assigning an RTB Validation Code

Now referring to FIG. 5, the operations performed such as by anapparatus 200 in FIG. 2 for assigning an RTB validation code areillustrated. As shown in Block 502, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like,configured to receive discretionary data, such as customer profile data.Consumer profile data may include consumer name, age, occupation,income, relationship status, sexual orientation, hobbies, preferences,dependent status, interests, gender, or the like. Consumer profile datamay additionally include primary shipping addresses, billing addresses,payment methods, account numbers, or the like. The processor 202 mayreceive the consumer profile data from the communication's interface 206which may in turn receive the consumer profile data for the senderdevice 10. The processor 202 may store the consumer profile data in thememory 204, such as a subscription management database or consumerprofile database.

As shown in Block 504 of FIG. 5, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like,configured to receive a RTB authorization indication. The processor 202may receive a RTB authorization indication from the communicationsinterface 206 which in turn receives the reply to buy authorizationindication from a sender device 10. The consumer may authorize RTBtransactions by selecting a RTB authorization link, icon, or othermethod of indicating the consumer's consent to participate in RTBtransactions. In an instance in which the RTB validation code isgenerated by the promotional marketing servicing host, such as promotionmarketing service host 12, the process continues at Block 506. In aninstance in which the consumer selects the RTB validation code, theprocess may continue at 508.

As shown in Block 506 of FIG. 5, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, or the like, configured to assign an RTBvalidation code. The RTB validation may be a general RTB validation codesuch as “Yes, please,” the consumer's username, or the like. In anexample embodiment, the RTB validation code may be used for marketingsuch as by generating and assigning RTB validation codes associated withbrand names, such as Groupon™, or the like.

As shown in Block 508 of FIG. 5, the apparatus 200 includes means, suchas a processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like,configured to receive an RTB validation code. The processor 202 mayreceive the RTB validation code from the communications interface 206which in turn receives the RTB validation code from a sender device,such as sender device 10. A consumer may enter a self-selected RTBvalidation code using the user interface of a sender device 10, the RTBvalidation code may be any combination of characters, including numbers,letters, or symbols which the consumer desires to use to authorizetransactions. For example, “Go Dawgs,” “John Rocks,” “IronMan,” or thelike.

As shown in Block 510 of FIG. 5, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, a memory 204, or the like, configured toassociate the RTB validation code with a consumer profile. The processer202 may associate the RTB validation code with the consumer profilebased on a consumer identifier. The processor 202 may store theassociated RTB validation code in a memory 204, such as a subscriptionmanagement database or consumer profile database.

Example Process for Electronic Transactions Based on Reply Message

Referring now to FIG. 6, the operations performed, such as by anapparatus 200 of FIG. 2 for an electronic transaction based on a replymessage are illustrated. As shown in Block 602 of FIG. 6, the apparatus200 may include means such as a processor 202, a memory 204, or thelike, configured to determine relevant promotions. In general, relevancemay include an analysis to determine which promotions to offer to aconsumer for a product or service.

The processor 202 may determine a first relevance criteria and generatea first ranking of promotions for presentation to the consumer. In someembodiments, each of the promotions is associated with promotionparameters. In some embodiments, the first ranking may be generatedbased on correlating a first relevance criteria to a promotion parameterof each of the promotions. The relevance criteria may includediscretionary data, electronic marketing data, communications channeldata, promotion parameter data, or the like. The processor 202 mayretrieve relevance criteria from a memory 20, such as a promotiondatabase, consumer profile database, or a subscription managementdatabase. The processor 202 may determine a second relevance criteriaand generate a second ranking of promotions, in an instance in which thespace for display is limited or to further refine the presentedpromotions. The processor 202 may assign scores to each of thepromotions based on the first and or second rankings of promotions andcompare the relevance scores to a predetermined relevance threshold. Theprocessor 202 may determine relevant promotions based on the promotionssatisfying the predetermined relevance threshold. Further discussion ofdetermination of relevant promotion is provided above at FIG. 1B.

As shown in Block 604 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, or the like, configured to generate an RTBidentifier. The RTB identifier may be any combination of characters,such as letters, numbers or symbols, which may identify the promotion.For example the RTB identifier may be a number, such as 45683, apromotion code, such as GPONSSSBRS10B, or the like. In an exampleembodiment, the RTB identifier may also be associated with a specificconsumer or group of consumers. The generation of the RTB identifierassociated with a consumer may include a consumer identifier appended tothe RTB identifier or may be generated in a manner similar to generatinga transactional address, as discussed in block 610.

As shown in Block 606 of FIG. 6, the apparatus may include means, suchas a processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like forcausing the transmission of a RTB identifier. The processor 202 maygenerate a RTB prompt associated with a promotion, such as a link on awebsite or application which includes the RTB identifier. The processor202 may cause the communications interface 206 to transmit an electronicmarketing communication including the RTB prompt to a web server orapplication server which may be accessed by a consumer using a userdevice, such as sender device 10.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor 202 may generate an RTBmessage with a targeted RTB prompt including the RTB identifier as anemail link, SMS link, social media message link, or the like associatedwith a promotion impression. In a further example embodiment, theprocessor 202 may generate a RTB message in which the RTB identifier isat least a portion of the RTB message address. Example embodiments of aRTB message are depicted in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b. The processor 202 maycause the transmission of the RTB message to a sender device, such assender device 10.

As shown in Block 608 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as a processor, a communications interface, or the like, configuredto receive a RTB reply message from a sender including the RTBidentifier associated with a promotion and a RTB validation code. TheRTB identifier may populate the RTB reply message based on selection ofthe RTB prompt, or may be a portion of the RTB reply address. The RTBvalidation code may be any combination of characters, including numbers,letters and symbols associated with the consumer profile which indicatesthe consumer's intent to complete a transaction. The consumer may enterthe RTB validation code into the message. The generation andtransmission of the reply message from a sender device, such as senderdevice 10, is discussed in FIG. 7. The processor 202 may receive the RTBreply message from the communications interface 206, which in turnreceives the message from the sender device 10.

The processor 202 may parse RTB reply message fields and identify thevarious data for processing, such as the, consumer identity data, suchas sender message address or consumer identifier, RTB identifier, RTBvalidation code, promotional code, gift information, or the like. Theprocessor 202 may parse the RTB reply message based on information beingentered or populated in predetermined fields, such as subject linecontains RTB identifier body contains RTB validation code, or the like.In an example embodiment, the host device 12 may parse the RTB replymessage based on trigger words, such as “gift,” “validation code,”“others,” or the like. In some example embodiments, the host device 12may parse the RTB reply message by searching the message for characterstrings, such as RTB identifiers may consist of 16 characters,validation codes include 12 characters, or the like. Additionally oralternatively, the character strings may include a predeterminedcharacter, starting, ending or included within the character string,such as RTB identifiers start with “$$,” RTB validation codes end with“!,” or the like. In some embodiments, the gift information may be usedto purchase a promotion for multiple persons. For example, a promotionfor a dinner for four people may be purchased and the three additionalpersons may be identified using the gift information, which may initiatea confirmation message to the additional persons from the recipientdevice 14, discussed below at step 622.

As shown in Block 610 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, a memory 204, or the like, configured toauthenticate the RTB validation code. The processor 202 may associatethe reply message with a consumer profile stored in memory 204, such asa consumer profile database or subscriber management database. Theprocessor 202 may compare the received RTB validation code to the RTBvalidation code associated with the consumer profile. The processor 202may determine if a received RTB validation code matches the RTBvalidation code associated with the consumer profile. In an instance inwhich the RTB validation code does not match the RTB validation codeassociated with the consumer profile, the processor 202 does notvalidate the RTB validation code and terminates the transaction. In aninstance in which the received RTB validation code matches the RTBvalidation code associated with the consumer profile, the processor 202may validate and process the transaction. Authentication of the RTBvalidation code is discussed in further detail in FIG. 8.

In an embodiment, the processor 202 may cause the transmission of animproper validation message to the sender device 10, in an instance inwhich the authentication fails.

As shown if block 612 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as a processor 202, memory 204, or the like, configured to generatea purchase order based on the RTB reply message. The processor 202 mayretrieve product data associated with the promotion based on the RTBidentifier parsed from the RTB reply message, as from a memory 204, suchas a promotion database. The product data may include promotionparameters, such as the good or service associated with promotion,promotion identifiers, product details, such as size, color, location,times or the like. The processor 202 may populate a purchase ordermessage with product data, such as the product description, productcode, promotion identifier, product details, or the like. The processor202 may populate the purchase order with logistic data associate withthe consumer, such as billing information, consumer name, consumeridentifier, shipping information, gift recipient name, or the like. Inan instance in which a promotion code is identified in the RTB replymessage, the processor 202 may validate the promotional code bycomparing it to a promotional code or codes associated with thepromotion and adjust the product billing price or other promotionparameters accordingly, if valid.

As shown in Block 614 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as a processor 202, or the like, configured to assign a firsttransaction address to the sender device 10 and a second transactionaddress to the recipient device 14. The processor 202 may generatetransaction addresses by encoding the message addresses of the senderand/or recipient with at least one of the sender or recipientidentifier, RTB identifier, date and/or time identifier, an accountidentifier, or the like. In some instances, the identifiers and messageaddresses may be derived from the reply message as entered informationelements. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may retrieve at least aportion of the information or addresses from memory 204, such assubscriber management database or consumer profile database, based onrecipient or sender identifier or predetermined message address, asdiscussed above, in relation to FIG. 1C.

As shown in Block 616 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as a processor 202, or the like, configured to associate thepurchase order message with the recipient address and first transactionaddress. The processor 202 may use the recipient identifier,predetermined message address, sender message address, senderidentifier, or the like to identify a transaction address associatedwith the sender. The processor 202 may associate the message with thesender or the first transaction address by substituting or entering atransactional address into the sender field in a message. For example,the sender address consumer1234@Groupon.com may be substituted with315141921135226917@hostcompany.com. In the example embodiment, theprocessor 202 may also identify and retrieve a recipient address basedon a RTB identifier, recipient transactional address, recipientidentifier, or the like. The processor 202 may identify the sender'smessage address (e.g., consumer1234@groupon.com) and associate thetransactional address (e.g., 315141921135226917@hostcompany.com) andsubstitute the sender's message address with the sender's transactionaladdress.

In an instance in which transaction addresses are not used the processormay associate the recipient address with the purchase order messagebased on the RTB reply message or he recipient profile.

As shown in Block 618 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as the processor 202, a communication interface 206, or the like,configured to cause a transmission of a purchase order message. Thecommunications interface 206 may transmit the message to a MTA, MUA orother message server using recipient message address and use the firsttransactional address or sender address for the sender.

At Block 620 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include means such as aprocessor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like, configuredto receive a RTB confirmation message from the recipient device 10. Theconfirmation message may include transaction data including shippingaddress, product information, product details, payment method, or thelike, confirming the transaction has been received and is beingprocessed by the recipient provider. The message may also include therecipient message identifier, application identifier, sender identifier,sender transaction address, or the like.

In an instance in which transaction addresses are not used the processormay associate the sender address with the RTB confirmation message basedon the purchase order message or the sender profile.

As shown in Block 622 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as a processor 202, or the like, configured to associate the RTBconfirmation message with the sender address and the second transactionaddress. The processor 202 may identify the transaction addressassociated with the recipient based on the recipient message address,recipient identifier, RTB identifier, sender identifier, or firsttransaction address, or the like. The processor 202 may associate theRTB confirmation message with the second transaction address by enteringor substituting the transaction address into the sender field of the RTBconfirmation message.

For example, the processor 202 may substitute the email address (e.g.provider4567@groupon.com) of the recipient 14 with the transactionaladdress (e.g. 3818916456@hostcompany.com) associated with the recipient.The processor 202 may also substitute the transactional address (e.g.315141921135226917@hostcompany.com) of the sender 10 with the sender'semail address (e.g. consumer1234@groupon.com) retrieved from a memory,such as a consumer profile database or subscriber management database.

As shown in Block 622 of FIG. 6, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like,configured to cause the transmission of the RTB confirmation messagefrom the recipient to the sender device 10. The processor 202 may causethe communications interface 206 to transmit the RTB confirmationmessage to the sender device 10 using the sender message identifier andthe recipient message identifier or the recipient second transactionaddress.

Example Process for Electronic Transactions Based on Reply Message froma Sender Device

Referring now to FIG. 7, the operations performed such as by theapparatus 200 in FIG. 2 for electronic transactions based on a replymessage are illustrated. As shown in Block 702 of FIG. 7, the apparatus200 may include means, such as a processor 202, a communicationsinterface 206, or the like, configured to receive a RTB prompt. In someexample embodiments the RTB prompt may be included in the promotiondescription in a website or mobile application, such as a reply link. Inan example embodiment, the RTB prompt may be received as a portion of anRTB message, or targeted RTB prompt. The RTB message may be an email,SMS message, social media message, or any other two-way electronicmessage. The RTB message may include an electronic marketingcommunication associated with one or more promotions and a selectableRTB prompt including a RTB identifier such as a reply link, for examplea web browser link, a SMS link, an email link, a link in a social mediamessage, or the like. In an example embodiment, the RTB message mayinclude multiple RTB prompts, such as links associated with differentshipping addresses, products, recipients, product details such as color,size, quantity, and/or payment information. Example RTB messages aredepicted in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b.

Additionally or alternatively, the RTB message may include the RTBidentifier as a portion of the RTB message sender address.

As shown in Block 704 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, a user interface 208, or the like, configuredto receive a RTB prompt selection indication. A consumer may select aRTB prompt using the user interface 208, such as by clicking an RTBprompt link. The processor 202 may receive the RTB prompt selectionindication from the user interface 208.

In an embodiment in which the RTB message address comprises a RTBidentifier, the indication of the selected RTB promotion may beindicated by replying to the message. In this embodiment selection of aRTB prompt may not be necessary.

As shown, in Block 706 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, or the like, configured to initiate a messageapplication. In an example embodiment in which the RTB prompt is notreceived in a message application, such as in a website or mobileapplication, the processor 202 may open or initiate a messageapplication to facilitate the RTB reply message. For example, the RTBprompt may include an email link in a website, the processor 202 mayopen an email application in response to receiving the RTB promptselection indication.

As shown in Block 708 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, or the like, configured to populate a RTB replymessage based on the RTB prompt. The processor 202 may populate thesubject or message field of the RTB reply message with the RTBidentifier for the selected RTB prompt. The RTB reply message mayadditionally be populated with information such as productidentification, product identification code, consumer processinginformation, consumer processing identification code, or otherelectronic transaction information which the consumer may use to verifythe promotion details and consumer processing information. The productidentification or product identification code may include the productinformation, such as Super brand running shoes, product details, such assize, color, quantity, model numbers, or the like. The consumerprocessing information or consumer processing information code mayinclude information such as the consumer identifier, shipping address oridentifier, payment method or identifier, or the like.

As shown in Block 710 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, the user interface 208, or the like,configured to enter a RTB validation code into the RTB reply message. Aconsumer may enter the RTB validation code into the message, body,header, subject, or the like using the user interface 208. The processor202 may populate the RTB validation code into the reply message asreceived from the user interface 208.

As shown in Block 712 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, the user interface 208, or the like,configured to enter a promotional code into the RTB reply message theconsumer may enter a promotional code, e.g. discount code into the replymessage. The promotional code may be entered into the message body,subject line, or the like. The host device 12 or recipient device 14 mayvalidate and apply a discount or other parameter to the purchased goodor service based on the promotional code.

As shown in Block 714 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, the user interface 208, or the like,configured to enter gift information or additional persons informationinto the RTB reply message. A consumer may enter an indication that theproduct or service is a gift and associated gift recipient information,such as name address, note, or the like. The consumer may indicate theproduct or service is a gift by entering “gift” in the RTB reply messagebody, subject line, or the like followed by the gift recipientinformation.

In an example embodiment, the consumer may indicate other personsassociated with a purchase by entering additional message addresses oridentifiers in a carbon copy line, entering “others” in the RTB replymessage body or subject line, or the like. For example, if the consumerselects a RTB prompt for a dinner for four and enter the names of theother attendees in the carbon copy field, or otherwise indicate theother attendees. The provider and/or the promotion and marketing host 12may send the confirmation message discussed in FIG. 7, to the consumerand the three other attendees.

As shown in Block 716 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like,configured to cause a transmission of the RTB reply message to the hostdevice, such as host device 12. The processor 202 may cause thecommunications interface 206 to transmit the RTB reply message to thehost device 12 using wire to wireless communications.

As shown in Block 712 of FIG. 7, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, a communications interface 206, or the like,configured to receive a RTB confirmation message. The processor 202 mayreceive the RTB confirmation message from the communications interface206, which in turn receives the RTB confirmation message from a hostdevice 12. The host device 12 may receive the confirmation message froma recipient device 14 as discussed in FIG. 6.

Example Process for Authentication of a RTB Validation Code

Referring now to FIG. 8, the operations performed such as by anapparatus 200 in FIG. 2, for authentication of a RTB validation code areillustrated. As shown in Block 802 in FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 mayinclude means, such as the processor 202, or the like, for receiving aRTB validation code. The processor 202 may receive the validation codeas a portion of a RTB reply message received from a sender device, suchas sender device 10.

As shown in Block 804 of FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, a memory 204, or the like, configured toassociate the RTB reply message with a consumer profile. The processor202 may associate the RTB reply message with the consumer profile basedon a sender message identifier, consumer data, such as consumeridentifier in the RTB reply message, or the like. The processor 202 mayretrieve the consumer profile from the memory 204, such as asubscription management database or consumer profile database.

As shown in Block 806 of FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, or the like, configured to compare thereceived RTB validation code to a RTB validation code associated withthe consumer profile. The processor 202 may retrieve the RTB validationcode associated with the consumer profile from the consumer profile andcompare the syntax of the received RTB validation code to the syntax ofthe RTB validation code associated with the consumer profile.

As shown in Block 808 of FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, or the like, configured to determine if theRTB validation code matches the RTB validation code associated with aconsumer profile. In an instance in which the RTB validation codematches the RTB validation code associated with a consumer profile, theprocess continues at Block 810. In an instance in which the received RTBvalidation code does not match the RTB validation code associated with aconsumer profile, the process continues at Block 812.

As shown in Block 810 of FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202 or the like, configured to validate andprocess the transaction. In an instance in which the RTB validation codematches the RTB validation code associated with a consumer profile andcontinues processing the transaction as discussed in FIG. 6.

At Block 812 of FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 may include means, such as theprocessor 202, to not validate the RTB validation code and terminate thetransaction. In an instance in which the received RTB validation codedoes not matches the RTB validation code associated with a consumerprofile, the processor 202 will terminate the transaction.

As shown in Block 814 of FIG. 8, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as the processor 202, communications interface 206, or the like,configured to cause transmission of an improper validation message tothe sender device. The processor 202 may populate a message indicatingthat the validation of the RTB validation code was improper. Theprocessor 202 may cause the communications interface 206 to transmit theimproper validation message to the sender device 10 using a sendermessage identifier.

Example Electronic Marketing Communications Including RTB Prompt

FIG. 9 illustrates an example electronic marketing communication with aRTB prompt. The electronic marketing communication 900 may include aproduct image 902, promotion details 904, a buy prompt or link 906, anda RTB prompt or link 908. The product image 902 may include an image ofthe product or an image associated with the product, and/or a promotionprice. For example, a pair of running shoes for a promotion price of$25.00. Additionally, the electronic marketing communication may includea value, a discount value, and a savings, such as the value of therunning shoes being $50 with a discount of 50% and a savings of $25.Promotion information may include the provider information, such as ShoeStore; product information, such as Super Brand Running Shoes, size,color, quantity, model number, or the like. For example, Shoe StoreSuper Brand Running Shoes, size 10, color blue

A buy link or prompt 906, may direct the sender device 10 to atraditional checkout webpage or application in which the product orservice may be selected. Payment information, consumer information,shipping information or like, may also be selected or entered and thetransaction completed.

The RTB prompt 908 may be selected opening a secondary messageapplication, such as an email application, social media messagingapplication, SMS messaging application or the like. A RTB reply messagemay be populated and a RTB transaction may be completed as discussed inFIGS. 6 and 7. In some example embodiments, promotion product details,such as size, quantity, color or the like, may have separate RTB promptsfor each product detail or combination of details. Additionally, RTBprompts may be provided for shipping addresses, payment methods, or thelike.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate example electronic marketingcommunications in a message application, such as email, which may be aRTB message or targeted RTB prompt. The RTB message 1000 may include amessage header 1002, a message body 1004, and a promotion display 1006.The promotion display 1006 may include a promotion image 1008, promotiondetails 1010, and a RTB prompt 1012. The email header may include to,from, and subject fields. For example, to the consumer (e.g.JonCaston@internet.com); from a promotion and marketing service host,(e.g. GrouponRTB@groupon.com); and a subject (e.g. Reply to Buy Message((Running Shoes)). The body 1004 may include the impression 1006.

In FIG. 10 a, the RTB prompt may be a RTB link. The RTB link 1012 maycause a secondary application, such as a messaging application, emailapplication or social media application to open and populate an RTBreply message. The consumer may then enter the RTB validation code andsubmit the message, which may be sent to a host device 12, as discussedin FIGS. 6 and 7.

In an additional alternative embodiment, FIG. 10 b, the RTB messageaddress includes the RTB identifier, (e.g. GPONSSSBRS10B@groupon.com).In this example, a predetermined RTB validation code (e.g., Yes, please)is provided in the message body. The user may reply to the message byentering “Yes, please” in a reply message initiating the reply messagetransaction, as discussed in FIGS. 6 and 7. Additionally, as analternative to the RTB transaction process, a traditional check out linkis provided, e.g. “click here” link.

Example RTB Reply Message

FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of a RTB reply message inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The RTBreply message 1100 may include a message header 1102 and a message body1104. The message body 1104 may include a RTB validation code 1106, apromotion code 1108, a promotional product identification and/orpromotion product identification code 1110, and a consumer processingidentification or consumer processing identification code 1112. Themessage header may include a to-field, such as to promotional andmarketing service host (e.g., GrouponRTB@groupon.com); a from field,including a consumer message address (e.g., JonCaston@internet.com); anda subject field, including a reply message subject (e.g., Re: Reply toBuy Message (Running Shoes)).

The validation code 1106 may be a predetermined or self-selectedvalidation code as discussed in FIG. 5. The promotion code 1108 may be acode associated with a discount for specific product and/or product andtime, for example, the Charlotte Iron Man 15% off, represented byCLTIM15.

The promotional product identification may include a product narrativesuch as Super Brand Running Shoes, Size 10, Blue and/or a RTBidentifier, such as (GPONSSSBRS10B) corresponding to Groupon, ShoeStore, Super Brand, Running Shoe, Size 10, Blue. The consumer processingidentification or consumer processing identification code 1112 mayinclude a consumer name, e.g. John Caston, a primary address, a primarypayment method, a gift address, a gift recipient or the like.

In an instance in which the RTB message address includes the RTBidentifier, the To field may include the RTB message address includingthe RTB identifier, (e.g. GPONSSSBRS10B@groupon.com).

Computer program code and/or other instructions may be loaded onto acomputer, processor or other programmable apparatus's circuitry toproduce a machine, such that execution of the code on the machine by thecomputer, processor, or other circuitry creates the means forimplementing various functions, including those described herein.

As described above and as will be appreciated based on this disclosure,embodiments of the present invention may be configured as methods,mobile devices, backend network devices, and the like. Accordingly,embodiments may comprise various means including entirely of hardware ora combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments maytake the form of a computer program product on at least onecomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable programinstructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium.Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, includingnon-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storagedevices, magnetic storage devices, or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,apparatuses, systems and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the circuit diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams andprocess flowcharts, respectively, can be implemented by various meansincluding computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the computer program product includes theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable storage device that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablestorage device produce an article of manufacture includingcomputer-readable instructions for implementing the function discussedherein. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause aseries of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented processsuch that the instructions executed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus cause performance of the steps and therebyimplement the functions discussed herein.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the circuit diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams andprocess flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedcomputer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may bemodified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments,additional optional operations may be included, such as illustrated bythe dashed outline of blocks 602, 604, 606, 614, 620, 622, and 624 ofFIG. 6; and 702, 704, 706 and 718 of FIG. 7. Modifications, additions,or amplifications to the operations above may be performed in any orderand in any combination.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseembodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the inventionare not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-executed method for facilitating atransaction, the method comprising: receiving a message, from a senderdevice, comprising a reply to buy (RTB) identifier associated with apromotion and a RTB validation code; authenticating, using a promotionand marketing service host, the RTB validation code; associating themessage from the sender with a recipient identifier; and causing thetransmission of a purchase order message to the recipient device basedon the RTB identifier.
 2. The computer-executed method for facilitatinga transaction of claim 1 further comprising: receiving discretionarydata, electronic marketing data, and communications channel data fromthe sender device; receiving promotion parameters associated with aplurality of promotions; determining a first relevance criteria based onat least one of the discretionary data, electronic marketing data, andcommunications channel data; generating a first ranking of the pluralityof promotions based on correlating the first relevance criteria to thepromotion parameters of the plurality of promotions; determining asecond relevance criteria based on at least one of the discretionarydata, electronic marketing data, and the communications channel data;generating a second ranking of the plurality of promotions based oncorrelating the second relevance criteria to the promotion parameters ofthe plurality of promotions; comparing the first and second ranking ofthe plurality promotions to a relevance threshold; determining relevantpromotions based on the first or second ranking or promotions satisfyingthe relevance threshold; and wherein the RTB identifier is associated arelevant promotion.
 3. The computer-executed method for facilitating atransaction of claim 1 further comprising: receiving an RTB confirmationmessage from the recipient device in response to transmission of the RTBpurchase order message; and causing a transmission of the confirmationmessage to the sender device.
 4. The computer-executed method forfacilitating a transaction of claim 3 further comprising: assigning afirst transaction address to a sender device and a second transactionaddress to a recipient device; associating the message from the senderdevice with the first transaction address; and wherein causing thetransmission of the purchase order message to the recipient device usesthe first transaction address.
 5. The computer-executed method forfacilitating a transaction of claim 3 further comprising: associatingthe RTB confirmation message with the second transactional address; andwherein causing the transmission of the RTB confirmation message to thesender device uses the second transaction address.
 6. Thecomputer-executed method for facilitating a transaction of claim 1further comprising: generating an RTB prompt comprising the promotionidentifier; and causing the transmission of the RTB prompt.
 7. Thecomputer-executed method for facilitating a transaction of claim 6further comprising: determining relevant promotions; and wherein the RTBidentifier is associated with at least one relevant promotion.
 8. Thecomputer-executed method for facilitating a transaction of claim 6,wherein the message from the sender device is an RTB reply messageindicative of selection promotion associated with the RTB prompt.
 9. Thecomputer-executed method for facilitating a transaction of claim 6,wherein causing the transmission of the RTB prompt comprisestransmitting a RTB message.
 10. The computer-executed method forfacilitating a transaction of claim 9, wherein the RTB message comprisesan RTB message address based on the RTB identifier.
 11. Thecomputer-executed method for facilitating a transaction of claim 1,wherein the RTB identifier is further based on a consumer identifier.12. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least onememory including computer program code, the at least one memory andcomputer program code configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to at least: receive a message, from a sender device,comprising a reply to buy (RTB) identifier associated with a promotionand a RTB validation code; authenticate the RTB validation code;associate the message from the sender with a recipient identifier; andcause the transmission of a purchase order message to the recipientdevice based on the RTB identifier.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code arefurther configured to: receive discretionary data, electronic marketingdata, and communications channel data from the sender device; receivepromotion parameters associated with a plurality of promotions;determine a first relevance criteria based on at least one of thediscretionary data, electronic marketing data, and communicationschannel data; generate a first ranking of the plurality of promotionsbased on correlating the first relevance criteria to the promotionparameters of the plurality of promotions; determine a second relevancecriteria based on at least one of the discretionary data, electronicmarketing data, and the communications channel data; generate a secondranking of the plurality of promotions based on correlating the secondrelevance criteria to the promotion parameters of the plurality ofpromotions; compare the first and second ranking of the pluralitypromotions to a relevance threshold; determining relevant promotionsbased on the first or second ranking or promotions satisfying therelevance threshold; and wherein the RTB identifier is associated arelevant promotion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at leastone memory and the computer program code are further configured to:receive an RTB confirmation message from the recipient device inresponse to transmission of the RTB purchase order message; and cause atransmission of the confirmation message to the sender device.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computerprogram code are further configured to: assign a first transactionaddress to a sender device and a second transaction address to arecipient device; associate the message from the sender device with thefirst transaction address; and wherein causing the transmission of thepurchase order message to the recipient device uses the firsttransaction address.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at leastone memory and the computer program code are further configured to:associate the RTB confirmation message with the second transactionaladdress; and wherein causing the transmission of the RTB confirmationmessage to the sender device uses the second transaction address. 17.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and thecomputer program code are further configured to: generate an RTB promptcomprising the promotion identifier; and cause the transmission of theRTB prompt.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least onememory and the computer program code are further configured to:determine relevant promotions; and wherein the RTB identifier isassociated with at least one relevant promotion.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the message from the sender device is an RTB replymessage indicative of selection promotion associated with the RTBprompt.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein causing the transmissionof the RTB prompt comprises transmitting an RTB message.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the RTB message comprises a RTB messageaddress based on the RTB identifier.
 22. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the RTB identifier is further based on a consumer identifier.23. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program codeportions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portionscomprising program code instructions configured to: receive a message,from a sender device, comprising a reply to buy (RTB) identifierassociated with a promotion and a RTB validation code; authenticate theRTB validation code; associate the message from the sender with arecipient identifier; and cause the transmission of a purchase ordermessage to the recipient device based on the RTB identifier.
 24. Thecomputer program product of claim 23, wherein the computer-executableprogram code portions further comprise program code instructionsconfigured to: receive discretionary data, electronic marketing data,and communications channel data from the sender device; receivepromotion parameters associated with a plurality of promotions;determine a first relevance criteria based on at least one of thediscretionary data, electronic marketing data, and communicationschannel data; generate a first ranking of the plurality of promotionsbased on correlating the first relevance criteria to the promotionparameters of the plurality of promotions; determine a second relevancecriteria based on at least one of the discretionary data, electronicmarketing data, and the communications channel data; generate a secondranking of the plurality of promotions based on correlating the secondrelevance criteria to the promotion parameters of the plurality ofpromotions; compare the first and second ranking of the pluralitypromotions to a relevance threshold; determining relevant promotionsbased on the first or second ranking or promotions satisfying therelevance threshold; and wherein the RTB identifier is associated arelevant promotion.
 25. The computer program product of claim 23,wherein the computer-executable program code portions further compriseprogram code instructions configured to: receive an RTB confirmationmessage from the recipient device in response to transmission of the RTBpurchase order message; and cause a transmission of the confirmationmessage to the sender device.
 26. The computer program product of claim25, wherein the computer-executable program code portions furthercomprise program code instructions configured to: assign a firsttransaction address to a sender device and a second transaction addressto a recipient device; associate the message from the sender device withthe first transaction address; and wherein causing the transmission ofthe purchase order message to the recipient device uses the firsttransaction address.
 27. The computer program product of claim 26,wherein the computer-executable program code portions further compriseprogram code instructions configured to: associate the RTB confirmationmessage with the second transactional address; and wherein causing thetransmission of the RTB confirmation message to the sender device usesthe second transaction address.
 28. The computer program product ofclaim 23, wherein the computer-executable program code portions furthercomprise program code instructions configured to: generate an RTB promptcomprising the promotion identifier; and cause the transmission of theRTB prompt.
 29. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein thecomputer-executable program code portions further comprise program codeinstructions configured to: determine relevant promotions; and whereinthe RTB identifier is associated with at least one relevant promotion.30. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the message fromthe sender device is an RTB reply message indicative of selectionpromotion associated with the RTB prompt.
 31. The computer programproduct of claim 28, wherein causing the transmission of the RTB promptcomprises transmitting an RTB message.
 32. The computer program productof claim 31, wherein the RTB message comprises a RTB message addressbased on the RTB identifier.
 33. The computer program product of claim23, wherein the RTB identifier is further based on a consumeridentifier.
 34. A computer-executed method for facilitating atransaction, the method comprising: determining a relevant promotionbased on promotion parameters and at least one relevance criteria;transmitting a reply to buy (RTB) message to a sender device, whereinthe rtb message comprises at least one RTB identifier associated with arelevant promotion; receiving a reply message, from a sender device,comprising the RTB identifier associated with a promotion and a RTBvalidation code; authenticating, using a promotion and marketing servicehost, the RTB validation code; associating the message from the senderwith a recipient identifier; and causing the transmission of a purchaseorder message to the recipient device based on the RTB identifier.